In Bhagavad Gita 4.38, Krishna says nothing in this world is as purifying as knowledge; one perfected in yoga finds it within the Self in due course of time.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं
पवित्रमिह विद्यते
तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः
कालेनात्मनि विन्दति ॥ ४-३८ ॥
na hi jñānena sadṛśaṃ
pavitramiha vidyate
tatsvayaṃ yogasaṃsiddhaḥ
kālenātmani vindati
English transliteration na hi jnaanena sadrisham
pavitramiha vidyate
tatsvayam yogasamsiddhah
kaalenaatmani vindati ॥ 4.38 ॥
Translation / Meaning
There is nothing in this world as purifying as knowledge. One who is perfected in yoga finds it within the Self in due course of time.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| न na | not |
| हि hi | indeed |
| ज्ञानेन jñānena | with knowledge |
| सदृशम् sadṛśam | equal |
| पवित्रम् pavitram | purifying |
| इह iha | here |
| विद्यते vidyate | exists |
| तत् tat | that |
| स्वयम् svayam | oneself |
| योगसंसिद्धः yogasaṃsiddhaḥ | perfected in yoga yoga (yoga) + saṃsiddhaḥ (perfected) |
| कालेन kālena | in time |
| आत्मनि ātmani | in the Self |
| विन्दति vindati | finds |
Word-wise Chanting
- na hi jñā–ne–na sa–dṛ–śaṃ 8 syllables na hi jnaa-ne-na sa-dri-sham
- pa–vit–ra–mi–ha vid–ya–te | 8 syllables pa-vit-ra-mi-ha vid-ya-te
- tat–sva–yaṃ yo–ga–saṃ–sid–dhaḥ 8 syllables tat-sva-yam yo-ga-sam-sid-dhah
- kā–le–nāt–ma–ni vin–da–ti || 4-38 8 syllables kaa-le-naat-ma-ni vin-da-ti
How to read this
How to chant: each line is one pāda (quarter-verse); chant it in one breath. The hyphen (-) divides the syllables, inside a word and across a sandhi join, so every pāda shows its 8 syllables (11 in triṣṭubh verses). A consonant cluster is divided after its first consonant (kar-ma, vet-ti): that syllable is held longer. Mark above a syllable: guru, long (two beats); laghu, short (one beat). | closes the half-verse, || the verse; the number is the syllable count of the pāda.
Deeper Explanation – Chapter 4 Verse 38
Context
Krishna concludes his praise of knowledge (4.36–4.38).
Meaning
Among all means of purification, knowledge stands supreme. Yet it is not found outside; it is discovered within the Self by one who has matured in yoga. The words kālena, “in time,” show patience: it comes naturally as practice ripens. One does not force it; one prepares and receives.
The verse holds two truths together: knowledge is the highest purifier, and it unfolds gradually through practice. We need not be discouraged if realisation seems slow. Each day of sincere practice prepares the ground for its dawning.
In Practice
Commit to a regular daily practice, however short, trusting that understanding will dawn within you in its own time.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (Knowledge and Renunciation of Action). Read the chapter overview, browse every verse of the Gita, or return to the chapter-by-chapter guide. For a reading plan, see how to study the Bhagavad Gita and the study resources.